In a deeply distressing incident, a family unknowingly cremated someone else's loved one after staff at a major NHS hospital mortuary released the wrong body. The catastrophic error was only discovered after the cremation service had taken place.
Investigation Launched After 'Terrible' Error
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland's largest health board, has confirmed the mistake occurred at the mortuary within the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The health board has accepted that "two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time" as a direct result of the blunder.
The incident, reported to have happened last month, is understood to have been caused by human error, leading to the "wrongful release" of a body to an undertaker. The families involved were informed of the devastating mix-up, with the health board offering them "full support".
Dr Scott Davidson, medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, stated: "I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both families affected. We have very rigorous processes for the identification and labelling of bodies from arrival in our mortuaries until their release into the care of an undertaker. It is of deep regret that these processes have not been adhered to on this occasion."
Staff Suspended and Full Probe Underway
The health board has launched an immediate and full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mortuary error. Staff involved have been suspended while the inquiry takes place.
Dr Davidson added that the board will "ensure that learning is applied" from the findings of the investigation to prevent any repeat of such a traumatic failure.
The Scottish Government has also expressed its concern. A spokesperson said: "We wish to express our sincere condolences to the families involved with this terrible incident. We are deeply concerned by what has happened and have been clear with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that they must fully investigate the circumstances."
Broader Implications for NHS Trust
This incident raises serious questions about procedural safeguards in hospital mortuaries, even within large, well-resourced NHS trusts. The failure of what are described as "rigorous processes" at a flagship hospital like the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital will likely prompt reviews of practice across the health service.
The profound emotional impact on the two grieving families involved is immeasurable, compounding their loss at a time of immense vulnerability. The health board's investigation will need to scrutinise every step of the chain of custody for deceased persons to restore public confidence.
